Date: Thu, 16 Apr 1998 11:39:01 -0700
Reply-To: "Backus, Brian G" <Brian.Backus@PSS.BOEING.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From: "Backus, Brian G" <Brian.Backus@PSS.BOEING.COM>
Subject: Re: Need Suggestions for Craftsman Tool Set (NO Vanagon Content)
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
Oh this is fun.
Look, I don't think that your abilility at this time is the issue. The
issue is how many times over the course of your life, from this day on,
will you have to go, buy or beg or borrow the tool that didn't come in
the Craftsman Kit that you picked out?
IMHO you should buy the biggest, and best kit that you can afford. The
more you spend up front now, the more you get at a reduced rate. This
means that you just might have that 22 mm combo wrench that wouldn't
have came in the less expensive kit that you thought you wouldn't ever
need. You might not need to use it on your VW but remember. These
tools work on lots more that VWs. What about that sump pump that quits
suring a storm. What about the Lawn mower? Tools are not just for VWs.
I'd say a Couple grand is in order here:~)
> ----------
> From: Sean Bartnik[SMTP:sbart7kb@WWW.MWC.EDU]
> Reply To: Sean Bartnik
> Sent: Thursday, April 16, 1998 4:23 AM
> To: Vanagon@VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: Need Suggestions for Craftsman Tool Set (NO Vanagon
> Content)
>
> >
> > I've been thumbin' through the latest Sears tool catalog, ready to
> spend
> > my hard-earned on a real tool set. Now, I'm pretty much a mechanical
> > ZERO, so I probably don't need the 2-zillion piece tool "build a car
> from
> > ore" set. Therefore, I submit to the list my request for your
> suggestions
> > as to which sets to consider. (All that variety. It's very
> confusing.)
> > So, any of y'all that have your catalog, or anyone else that just
> wants
> > to give a few suggestions, I'd appreciate any direction very much!
> > They're having a sale soon.
> >
> I would recommend:
> A good complete set of metric wrenches, the kind that are open end on
> one side and box-end on the other side.
> I've used everything from about 6mm to 19mm on my van.
>
> A good complete set of sockets. Sears has a fairly good kit that
> comes
> with a 1/4" drive rathet, a 3/8" drive ratchet, and a 1/2" drive
> ratchet, as well as a fairly complete set of sockets. I would
> recommend
> getting that, as well as a good set of extensions (some for the each
> ratchet). They've come in very useful. I've also found uses for
> adapters, like 3/8" drive to 1/2" drive and vice versa.
>
> I have found use for a 24mm deep socket. Rare size, but works well
> for
> those oil pressure switches and the steering wheel nut.
>
> One of the best tools I have ever bought is from Sears. It's a brake
> shoe retaining spring removal tool. Looks like a screwdriver handle
> with two round metal bits on each end, costs about $6. Well worth it.
> A similar tool can probably be had for less elsewhere.
>
> Pliers! You will need a regular set and a set or two of various
> needle
> nose sizes. I've also gotten a lot of use out of locking pliers, or
> Vice Grips. I've been told to get the Vice Grip brand, not the Sears
> brand. (Lowe's sells the Vice Grip brand).
>
> Timing light -- if you can swing it, get the fancy model that you can
> dial in advance and check total advance...
>
> Tach/dwell meter -- if you plan to set your idle, you might need this
> :-)
>
> Multimeter -- good for electrical troubleshooting. Measures voltage,
> resistance, current.
>
> Magnet on a stick -- a lifesaver. Most FLAPS will have this, it's
> just
> a magnet on the end of a telescoping rod. Useful for retrieving
> dropped
> parts.
>
> A 6mm allen wrench socket bit. Just about every allen head bolt on a
> VW
> is 6mm.
>
> A 17mm allen key, for the transmission fill and drain plugs.
>
> A nice hammer, ball peen
>
> pry bar
>
> A good set of flathead and philips screwdrivers. #3 and below Philips
> should be fine, I've only encountered #4 Philips screws on my Karmann
> Ghia.
>
> A set of circlip or spring clip pliers. These are extremely useful
> for
> removing spring clips. You squeeze the handle and the pliers open
> out,
> expanding the circlip and allowing you to remove it. Useful for CV
> joint repair among other things.
>
> Clearly there are some things above that you can wait to buy until you
> do the specific job, like the brake tool. But the basics are well
> worth
> it. I'm sure this will put a nice dent in your credit card :-(
>
> --
> Sean Bartnik
> Fredericksburg, Virginia
> 1981 Volkswagen Vanagon L Westfalia
> 1974 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia convertible
> http://www.type2.com/bartnik/myvan.htm
> http://www.mwc.edu/~sbart7kb/vwbooks.htm
>
| 
